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Casualties unknown

Approach Deviation and Radio Contact Loss During ILS Procedure (N5289N)

Nantucket, MA, US

On September 29, 1990, a Cessna 182Q (registration N5289N) was involved in an aviation accident near Nantucket, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S IMPROPER IFR OPERATION IN ATTEMPTING AN ILS APPROACH IN AN AIRPLANE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AN ILS GLIDE SLOPE RECEIVER. THE WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft cleared for the ILS approach to runway 24 discontinued the first attempt due to an autopilot issue. After being vectored for a second approach, radio contact was lost near the locator outer marker, where the aircraft crossed at 800 feet instead of the published 1,600 feet. The aircraft lacked a glide slope receiver.

Incident Overview

The pilot had been cleared for the ILS approach to runway 24. The initial approach was discontinued because of an autopilot malfunction. Air traffic control subsequently provided vectors for a second approach. Shortly after the pilot reported being inbound from the locator outer marker, radio communication was lost.

Altitude Deviation

The published crossing altitude at the locator outer marker is 1,600 feet. Data from the National Track Analysis Program (NTAP) revealed that the airplane crossed the marker at an altitude of 800 feet, significantly lower than the specified value.

Aircraft Equipment

The airplane was not equipped with a glide slope receiver or indicator, which would have provided vertical guidance for the ILS approach.

Sequence of Events

  • Clearance for the ILS approach to runway 24 was granted.
  • The first approach was terminated due to an autopilot problem.
  • Vectors were provided for a second approach.
  • The pilot reported the locator outer marker inbound.
  • Soon after that report, radio contact was lost.
  • NTAP data showed the aircraft crossed the marker at 800 feet, well below the published 1,600 feet.

No further details were provided regarding the outcome of the flight or the subsequent communication loss.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Sept 1990 Cessna 182Q accident near Nantucket, MA?

An aircraft cleared for the ILS approach to runway 24 discontinued the first attempt due to an autopilot issue. After being vectored for a second approach, radio contact was lost near the locator outer marker, where the aircraft crossed at 800 feet instead of the published 1,600 feet. The aircraft lacked a glide…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Sept 1990 involved a Cessna 182Q, registration N5289N, at Nantucket, MA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER IFR OPERATION IN ATTEMPTING AN ILS APPROACH IN AN AIRPLANE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AN ILS GLIDE SLOPE RECEIVER. THE WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24350. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.